Looking for a simple way to plan out a month worth of blog content?
Here’s a super quick video (three minutes) where I share an easy two-step plan to brainstorming blog ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0X9EwEF6Ko
Have you used this strategy before? Think it might work for you? Talk to me in the comments below!
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Quick and easy as promised. Thank You. So much easier to even think about.
Sometimes the basics work so much better. Taking things back to just one or two steps can make it easier to process. :)
Thanks for this shortened version Michelle. I actually found a 2013 wire bound planner in my office after watching your first video and ‘attempted’ to use that instead of the white board. I realized I didnt like any of the topics I wrote in the planner so now its pushed to the side LOL So maybe thinking about topics by theme will help.
I think finding the planning strategy that works well for you is really important. :) Like planning, takes discovering what works with the way our brains process. Would love to hear how this one works for you.
Not only was this video helpful (as per always), but I’m also looking forward to reading your blog posts for the rest of the month. Thanks for the great ideas.
Sneaky, aren’t I? ;)
AWESOME video! You are so good at making things simple and actionable! I love it! And I am looking forward to all your blogs now, too! lol
Thanks, Gina! Now I just have to WORK that plan and get them written/videoed! ;)
I usually just brain dump on a sheet of recycle paper from my printer bin but I like this idea SO MUCH BETTER!! Using themes really helps focus more so I am not all over the place! YAY! As always — YOU ARE AWESOME! <3 Thanks for sharing this tip, Michelle!!
LOL I do that, too, Kimberly. I use way too many different brainstorming strategies, but sometimes it takes changing it up to unlock the creativity. ;)
I tend to combine this strategy (themes) with the planning calendar I showed in my other video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7qPjWM-ogcs) and crazy free brainstorming to fill in the left over spaces.
This is my first Blog Challenge, so I have been struggling with coming up with content. I almost feel like I’m beating a dead horse, that’s about to come to a screeching halt. Thank you Michelle, for helping me brainstorm for content, and for challenging me to put myself out there with my blog.
You’re welcome, Stephanie, and glad you jumped into the challenge! You can do it!! :)
This was a great and effective training video that would really be easy to implement. You even mentioned not doing it all yourself. You said, get some guest bloggers. That is such a simple and great idea. It is a win/win/win solution for everyone and also adds depth to your blog and for your audience.
I really love your Ultimate Blog Challenge and appreciate all that you are giving to help people market and build a presence online.
YOU ROCK!
Kathy
Hey Kathy, thanks for stopping by – and for the great suggestions in the Facebook group!
Definitely. Guest bloggers rock. :)
Michelle,
I loved your post about breaking down blogging for the month into weekly themes! As a professional organizer and planner, that is the first thing I teach all of my clients: break it down, break it down, break it down.
Nice job!
Lynn Spiro
http://www.lynnspiro.com/posts
It’s so much easier to tackle when we break it down, isn’t it? :)
Thanks, Lynn!
Oh good. I am already doing this. Sort of. As I try to build my authority online with my knowledge of pre-WW2 German film and the mindset of people who lived in Nazi Germany, I decided that I want to churn out several posts on that subject each week, mixed in with posts about Civil Rights activists stateside and fun jazz posts for Jazz Appreciation Month. I’ve got the whole thing worked out in my head with some scribbles on a spare sheet of notebook paper that’s around here somewhere. lol
Sounds like you’ve got a plan, Angie! :)
Yes, Michelle, this is helpful! I keep all my jots and scribbles and plans in a composition notebook, and it’s very similar to the list that you created. I try to keep it near me at all times, because you never know when you’re going to have an idea to make into a blog post. I loved your video!
Thanks Amy, and a notebook is such a great way to keep track of all those ideas. :)
As usual, your tips are practical and easy to implement. In essence we need to have a category and subcategories, or think of it as writing a book – we have the name of the book and the title of each chapter.
Your tip is brilliant.
P. S My doppelganger is under control. Namely, I’ve stopped sleeping only four hours each night.
This is a great tip for organizing blog posts. I make lists for almost everything but I haven’t been consistent in using lists for my blog posts. This is an easy strategy to implement and one I’ll definitely use.
Thanks for sharing this training.
Great ideas Michelle and so simple when it comes down to the ideas. Great sharing.
thanks for sharing such a nice post you these steps are easy to understand to write a well post
Great video Michelle! You made this super easy! I’ve been stuck on this for a while in this. Thank you so much for this!
I’m not likely to squeeze 30 blogs into April at this point, but your suggestions are well taken.
My tendency is to blog about either minutiae or One Huge Theme. It makes a lot of sense to break it down into themes & subcategories, not too big & not too little for one day’s blog.
Sometimes the best solutions are the easiest (albeit the hardest to come up with!).
I probably won’t hit 30 thing time either, Jude. But that’s okay. :) I figure every blog challenge I participate in, I come out further ahead than I was before — with more blogging friends, connections, and more blog content than I had before. :)
Michelle you always share great ideas. I like working off of themes too. One thing I like to do is ask my audience if they have questions. I plan content based on their response.
Another idea I use is checking my statistics because sometimes people find me based on a question.
This just happened and it was a topic I didn’t even consider. Now I will answer that question because I know others have the same question.
That’s such a great strategy Sara. Asking questions of readers has led to many of my most popular posts here. Readers are smart! ;)
Stats are great, too. Isn’t it funny how people find their way to our blogs sometimes? The most interesting topics come up in stats.
Woo!! you sure made my day with your video. I have and now will make my 30 blogs a month a lot easier. Working off themes is now on my plate. Thanks
Hey Rich, glad this was helpful. Have fun with your themes. :)
This is one very helpful video. I never thought it could be that easy. Sometimes, the simplest are the most effective.
Yep, most things are only as complicated as we allow them to be. :)
Hey,
this is very helpful. Since I am doing a blogging challenge, and believe me, it not called a challenge for nothing. I just see this 90 day challenge as a way to grow as a blogger.